updated 02:30 am EDT, Mon July 9, 2007

Sony debuts 80GB PS3

Ahead of the E3 gaming conference later this week, Sony on Monday announced a new 80GB model of its PlayStation 3 entertainment system as well as cut the price on the currently shipping model by $100 and promised more titles for the gaming system. Expected to ship in August, the new 80GB PS3 model, which surfaced in April, will be available in North America for $599 and will include the MotorStorm racing game, which allows up to 12 players to play simultaneously via the internet. Following the discontinuation of the 20GB PS3 in April, the company also said that the current 60GB PS3 model will be available in North America for $499 (CND$549), a $100 price cut that was first noted late last week, but initially denied by the company.

"As we move into the next phase of PS3, it's important that we continue to evaluate our product line, offering consumers the technology and features that meet their growing needs for new forms of media and the way in which it is delivered," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of the Sony division. "The introduction of the 80GB PS3, the new pricing for the current 60GB model, the availability of more than 100 new software titles this fiscal year and, finally, the expansion of services for PlayStation Network, will provide even more options for users and will help bring new consumers into the PS3 fold."

Hoping that that PlayStation customers will use the addition drive space to download more content and games from its online PlayStation Network, Sony said it would add to its online entertainment offerings, which currently include more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads.

On Monday, Sony also promised that to deliver more than 120 new first and third-party software titles for North American PS3 users throughout the holidays and its fiscal year. The expanded offering will include PlayStation Home, a state-of-the-art 3D online community that serves as a meeting place for PS3 users as well as offers downloadable games including the title PAIN.